I think BMW is mis-guided in enhancing the 335 line with the 335is. My suspicion is that they're doing it only to capture some of the after-market tuning revenues. This is a mistake as they continue to close the gap from the 3-series to the M3. Giving buyers a $10,000+ reason NOT to buy an M3 (fully-loaded to fully-loaded.)

As a driver, there is no comparison. The M3 still reigns king, but that's because guys like me have the luxury to blow the extra mulah for the extra 42 BHP stock. If I were more reasonable, it would seem like a bad decision value-for-dollar.

This is true. BMW releases the "IS" / special edition models around the end of the platform's life cycle. They are trying to squeeze more revenue through minimal enhancement that doesn't cost them that much more to manufacture at a premium. To BMW, the only additional cost are the additional cooling components. Wheels, different style, doesn't cost them any more to manufacture; It's just a swap. M-Tech kit, different plastic mold and no additional cost. Engine software, some developer changed the boost pressure and wrote code for when the torque boost kicks in, practically at no cost. The total operating cost to manufacture and build an IS is probably negligible but they are able to get $7,000 more. It's all marketing and to the average BMW buyer it's all about cosmetic and having a higher level trim. The average consumer do not use the full potential of the 335i and the 335is is a waste if you don't plan on tracking your car. Upgraded and additional cooling is to prevent the car from overheating on the race track, which the 335i is known for. Upgraded engine mounts are designed to reduce vibration and increase stiffness during high G's.

Regarding the inside-line review, it's no surprise because BMW's intent was to make a track ready 335i, not something that would gain much in a straight line. The 335is is 11 lbs heavier than a 335i. With 20hp more when translated to whp, it's probably in single digits while pulling some additional weight. You should see minimal gains in that area. You will see varying numbers from various car mag reviews, but it all depends on humidity, temperature, tire pressure, fuel amt, and tail or head wind. If the car is in the 5.0 sec range, you can do +/- x/10th of sec higher or lower based on various factors.

The 335is is a nice car and if I were to get a 335, I probably would opt for the 335is over the i just because of the body kit, wheels, and the option of getting DCT. So mostly cosmetic.

I agree with what you say regarding the profit margins that BMW is squeezing out of this model....as somebody who has owned a 335i for 2 years, and recetly has picked up a 335is bc I wrote off the 335i and upgraded to the 335is for the exact same lease price....I can say first hand the the 335is is MUCH more quick, torquier, and gruntier than the 335i. To me the extra few bucks is worth the price of the power increase, and the fuel efficiency still makes it attractive enough if you find it a bit out of reach to pay that extra $10k to get an M3

I agree with what you say regarding the profit margins that BMW is squeezing out of this model....as somebody who has owned a 335i for 2 years, and recetly has picked up a 335is bc I wrote off the 335i and upgraded to the 335is for the exact same lease price....I can say first hand the the 335is is MUCH more quick, torquier, and gruntier than the 335i. To me the extra few bucks is worth the price of the power increase, and the fuel efficiency still makes it attractive enough if you find it a bit out of reach to pay that extra $10k to get an M3

Yes, but outside of a DCT and a few body parts, what are you paying for?

Nicer Wheels?

The old N54?

If you tune an N55, it will be way quicker than the IS. Not sure that's worth the extra money when all could be had for around $1K!

$57k?? HAHA!! what a waste, you could buy an 07 coupe AND sedan and have more power with any tune.

ex. Late in service date 07 used CPO with 335i with a $400 JB3 will save you $27,000 over new M3 and 335is! $27k in your pocket and at least 2 years of maint/warr. is all you need before you upgrade again.

It's either a shitty driver, not optimal conditions or a combo of the two IMO. They should be getting 0-60 times around 4.8 with MT. Like others have said, C&D did it in 4.6 with the DCT.

This is typical of shitty reviews I see form time to time. He opens with "So, is it worth it?" and then ends the review with comments on stats but never answers the question. On top of all that he compared a well equipped 335is to base M3 for pricing. What an F'n moron. This whole review seemed like this SOB woke up with a hangover and wrote up some quick BS to post.

It's either a shitty driver, not optimal conditions or a combo of the two IMO. They should be getting 0-60 times around 4.8 with MT. Like others have said, C&D did it in 4.6 with the DCT.

This is typical of shitty reviews I see form time to time. He opens with "So, is it worth it?" and then ends the review with comments on stats but never answers the question. On top of all that he compared a well equipped 335is to base M3 for pricing. What an F'n moron. This whole review seemed like this SOB woke up with a hangover and wrote up some quick BS to post.

The point I am trying to make is, I hope all the people that bought their IS's thought it was sincerely worth it. If you are coming from a Warranty Perspective, then I can completely see it but otherwise, somewhat hard to justify.

I agree it's up to individual preference and needs on what you would rather have. But this is a review which means the reviewer should ask and answer questions on what they are reviewing. And it should be a fair comparison or else it's not legitimate. Now if he reviewed a stripped down 335is and M3 and answered the burning questions I wouldn't have any quarrel with this article no matter what he said was the winner.

The point I am trying to make is, I hope all the people that bought their IS's thought it was sincerely worth it. If you are coming from a Warranty Perspective, then I can completely see it but otherwise, somewhat hard to justify.

Then again that's just my opinion!

I think the problem is that you're comparing a tuned N55 335i to a stock iS. Are you saying the iS can't be tuned? A tuned iS will still retain its advantage.
It's worthy every penny to me. But, I do agree with you though, it's not for everybody.

I think the problem is that you're comparing a tuned N55 335i to a stock iS. Are you saying the iS can't be tuned? A tuned iS will still retain its advantage.
It's worthy every penny to me. But, I do agree with you though, it's not for everybody.

A tuned 335is is the same as any tuned N54. According to dyno graphs, you will have about a 10 WHP advantage lol. The main advantage is your DCT. To each his own though, I still think its a beautiful car